June 24, 2012

Summertime "Shopping Bug"

Summer's here and I've got a serious case of the "shopping bug." I'm sure I'm not the only one with this ailment but spring and summer is full of cute clothes/dresses that make you feel pretty and ultra feminine. Every time I place an order I tell myself it's going to be the last order I place for a while but then I see something else and I have to have it! lol

Below are pictures of my recent finds via Instagram. You can also keep up with my hits & misses via my dedicated board on Pinterest.

Let's begin with a continuation of the Trina Turk collection by Banana Republic. I purchased yet another bracelet from the collection with my $40 BR Rewards last month and used it towards the stretch flower bracelet pictured below. As a quick aside, I really like how easy Instagram is because you can mention a user (@username) and they'll see it and like it. (It was personally really cool to see that Trina Turk saw/liked my posts.)

In other Banana Republic related news, I picked up my skinny jeans that I dropped off for free basic alterations last week. I examined the hem and Newbury Street Tailors did a great job (and I paid nothing)!

Much to my chagrin, hemming this gorgeous maxi dress that I purchased from Banana Republic (before it went out of stock) was not a basic alteration. This lead to my search for a new tailor in town and I came across some positive reviews on Yelp for All Fit Tailoring and Alterations. They're newly opened on Newbury Street within the last few months and I had a great first experience with the two pieces pictured below. I can't wait to see what they do with the latest item I dropped off.

FYI (for all you ladies in Boston and the surrounding area). They're still offering 25% off your entire order through the end of the month (June). If you have something you've been saving for alterations then you may want to check them out.

Now onto my recent purchases. Lately I've been purchasing a lot of my clothes at Forever 21. I adore their light sheer tops (and I think I have 6 in different colors/patterns) because they wash well at home. (Tip: Wash them in cold water and do not put them in the dryer unless it is to put it on air puff to get out the wrinkles!) I detest shopping in store (unless it's late at night on the week nights) so I've been placing orders for things as they catch my eye online. In my opinion, online shopping is easier than visiting the store, which let's face it, is very intimidating. If it doesn't work out I'm okay with the store credit because I usually find something better. If I do step foot in store then I'm like a harried woman flitting from one rack to the next (with screenshots of my wishlist/shopping cart in tow) asking SAs if they've seen something I saw online.

Here are some items from my most recent orders that I kept:

I've also been placing online orders at Zara.com because they have a better selection for sizing (XS goes quick in store) and super fast shipping. I usually receive my items within 2 business days (and I love how they ship from MA to CT back to MA... hmmm they may want to rethink that). Below is a new arrival I scored, the floral tunic dress. I think I will keep it (but need to find the right belt for it). I usually give it a few days and try on the item again (this second fit test helps with any rose colored glasses I had on day one because I'm sometimes blindsided by the pretty print/material even if it doesn't really work for me). Also pictured is this white jacket that I didn't 100% love after a second fit test (see it works!). I noticed that Vicky also tried on the same jacket on Instagram. Methinks she may have found the one I returned... hehe

Last but not least, here are some OOTDs that made their way to Instagram. I love wearing dresses in the summer (and the Adrienne Vittadini Via wedges are my go to pair of summer shoes for romping about town). They are neutral, make me feel tall and so so comfy. The straps have stretched out by now so that my feet no longer swell when I wear them for long periods of time.

I'm so happy summer's officially here (now if only New England was like this all the time). Stay cool, drink lots of fluids and try not to buy the whole world. :)

aww love this post!! i know what you meant one time i posted a picture i snapped of my new brian atwoods and brian atwood retweeted my tweet.. i.was.so.excited. hahahaha for days i couldn't stop talking about it!!!

i love loved all the things you got!! everything's so cute.. i especially love the print on that floral dress.. i think it might help if you pulled the dress out on top over the belt.. and kind of let the fabric hang over the belt.. i've done that with a lot of shapeless dresses and they end up looking really cute :p

Thanks Lisa. This means a lot to me that (1) YOU take the time to stop by (2) you related to this post and (3) you offered a helpful tip. I'm now deciding if the dress is worth keeping and tailoring or just returning. Fit test #2 made me realize that it looks like a pillow case on my (albeit a very pretty pillow case) but it's not a good look right now.

Anyway... it's nice to be able to interact on a small scale with those whose lives seem that much more glamorous than yours. It helps you remember that they're people too with likes and dislikes.

Aww... Thanks. This particular bag is actually very heavy when empty and a bit awkward to carry. I always joke that I carry rocks when I use it. I also have the smaller Epi Montaigne clutch version for weddings too. :)